Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“pray without ceasing,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Pray without ceasing.
NIV · New International Version
pray continually,
WEB · World English Bible
Pray without ceasing.
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing. Not that saints should be always on their knees, or ever lifting up their hands, and vocally calling upon God; this is not required of them, and would clash with, and break in upon other parts of religious worship, and the duties of civil life, which are to be attended to, as well as this, and besides would be impracticable; for however willing a spiritual man might be to be engaged in this work always, yet the flesh is weak, and would not be able to bear it; and it requires food and drink, sleep and rest, for its refreshment and support; for all which there must be time allowed, as well as for other actions of animal life, and the business of a man's calling. But the…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 Thessalonians 5:15–22
17. Indesinenter orate. 18. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 18. In omnibus gratias agite: haec enim Dei voluntas in Christo Iesu erga vos. 19.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 Thessalonians 5:14–20 (WEB)
14We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all. 15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all. 16Always rejoice. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19Don’t quench the Spirit. 20Don’t despise prophecies.
Cross references
- Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
- Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
- Ephesians 6:18
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.
- Luke 18:1
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up,
- Luke 21:36
Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
- 1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.